We arrived yesterday morning to Guatemala City and drove 45 minutes to Antigua. Once we arrived at the language school, we were given our host families here in town. We have 17 students in 6 houses! All the homes are within 7 blocks to the school. Our team just kept growing throughout the day. we left visalia with 13, picked up Kaitlyn Erickson in LAX, two students Megan and MitchellBorges joined us in Guatemala city, and now Taylor Vos joined us in Antigua. Everyone is settled now and have slept a good nights sleep. Classes began this morning and students were given a their one on one teacher as well. I hear lots of talking and conversing happening among the team! Exciting as there are various levels of students here beginners, intermediate, and advanced. I saw many familiar faces this morning, many of the teachers are the same, and of course, the director, Arturo Miranda, is always accommodating. Tomorrow afternoon we will be visiting an indigenous village, salsa class in Wednesday night, Thursday we visit a coffee plantation, an orphanage visit on Friday , the beach on Saturday, and then everyone els arrives on Monday, the 10th when we go to Magdalena for the mission trip. Taylor Vos, an individual from Ripon Christian high school joined us for language school and will be with us for the trip. She was a part of the Ripon Christian team that came last year and wanted to do language school for the first time as well. So glad she made it safely!
So much has happened already in just one day! We ate at the familiar Mono Loco restaurant in the afternoon, and had ice cream last night at Pollo Campero. Visited in Mono Loco with summer staff, one of our very own from CVC Kylee Rogers! What makes it even more special is that she has always been an important part of my team, she joined me 2 separate years on 2008 and 2009. She has been a great friend to Caitlin, my oldest daughter, so is a special part of my family. I feel like i have been reunited with a third daughter! I really am so excited that she is here! She looks great and PERFECT as an intern with Students International.
This morning has been great for the students. We just had break and in talking with some students, positive reactions so far from everyone at being able to communicate. It seems like although some may get stuck, they are using what they know to get the conversations going. I know 4 hours is a long time but believe me, they will learn! Yay! Excited for them and the learning that is taking place right now. Pure joy, really, for a Spanish teacher.
Thank you to all of you at home in California, parents, mentors, friends and family for praying for us, our safety and for God's provision. Blessings to all of you!
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